Alan Louis Gottschalk, 78, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Hays Medical Center. He was born March 18, 1947, in Denver, Colorado, to Albert Elmer and Cora Louise (Meier) Gottschalk.
Alan was a 1965 graduate of St. Joseph’s Military Academy. In high school, he played baseball for the Hays American Legion, he played the saxophone for the Cadet Concert Band, and he was also a member of the Sportsmen, the school pep band. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he trained as a medic in San Antonio, TX, and was briefly stationed at Ft. Hood, TX. He bravely served with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade in Vietnam, where he was wounded in May 1968. His distinguished service was recognized with both the Purple Heart and the Combat Medical Badge — an honor awarded only to medics who perform their duties in combat under enemy fire.
Following his honorable discharge and retirement from the Army, Alan earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Fort Hays State University and began a long and successful career with Philip Morris as a sales representative for western Kansas, retiring in 2005.
A proud and devoted veteran, Alan was deeply committed to the Hays VFW Post 9076. He was the Post Commander from 1973 to 1974. His dedication to honoring veterans was evident each Memorial Day as he helped place American flags on the graves of veterans at St Joseph’s Cemetery. He was instrumental in launching the popular Stars and Stripes Breakfasts in Hays, serving the community while raising funds for various local causes. Alan was one of the original and remaining members of the VFW Honor Guard funeral detail, where he played the bugle and called orders at military funerals across western Kansas.
Alan was also an avid golfer—proudly achieving a hole-in-one—and enjoyed cheering for K-State football, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Kansas City Royals. He cherished his long-lasting friendships, going on many trips, traveling to concerts, and always enjoying a cold beer. Friends and loved ones alike know him for his wry sense of humor and hearty laugh. He was quick-witted, but always loving.
A man of strong Catholic faith, he believed in sacrifice and commitment to his family and country. During his time overseas while in the Army, he snuck a personal effect, a rosary, that he wore around his neck during the entirety of his active duty.
Above all, Alan was a proud father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He is survived by his son, Garrett Gottschalk and wife Emily Tamblyn, and their son Louis, all of Chicago, Illinois; his daughter, Megan Standefer and husband Ryan, and their children, twins Henry and Willa, and Audrey, all of Prairie Village, Kansas; sisters Susie Malone and husband Mike of Topeka, Kansas, and Karla Ackerman and husband Mark of Olathe, Kansas; his brother Ken Gottschalk and wife Lorrie of Paola, Kansas; sister-in-law Debbie Gottschalk of Topeka, Kansas; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Wayne Galen Gottschalk.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 18, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays. Burial with full military honors, provided by the Hays VFW Honor Guard, will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM, all at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory – Brock’s Chapel, 2509 Vine Street, Hays, KS 67601.
A combined parish vigil and rosary will be held at 7:00 PM Friday at Brock’s Chapel.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Hays VFW or the Hays VFW Honor Guard. Condolences and memories may be shared on Alan’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com